Skip to main content Skip to local navigation
Science Engagement Programs Faculty of Science
Home » Summer » Science Explorations Summer Camp (Grade 3-8)

Science Explorations Summer Camp (Grade 3-8)

Summer 2024 course selections will be posted in February. Sign up for our newsletter to receive email notifications about our programs.

Science Explorations Summer Day Camp are in-person, week-long camps. Campers explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through hands-on and exciting experiments as connected to the Ontario Science Curriculum. Camps are developed and taught by undergraduate/graduate science or engineering students, Teacher Candidates, or Ontario Certified Teachers.

Quick Links

PROGRAM DETAILS

Grade Level

Grades 3-8

Dates

Weekly from July 2 to August 23, 2024

Time

9:00am to 4:00pm, before- and after-care available.

Pricing

TBD

Summer 2023 Program Descriptions

Dates marked with an asterisk (*) are 4-day weeks.

STEM Camp: Science Everyday

  • Dates: July 4-7, 2023* and July 31-August 4, 2023

Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue, how do birds fly, or what happens when you dream? Join us in STEM Camp: Science Everyday as we look at the world through a science lens. From when you wake up to when you sleep, you'll learn to engage your minds in inquisitive thinking (scientific ways of thought) by examining everyday occurrences - why does toothpaste foam, how do we digest our breakfast, and more!

STEM Camp: Science is Awesome!

  • Dates: July 10-14, 2023 and August 7-11, 2023*

Campers, explore the world of STEM with us in Science is Awesome! Meet new friends, engage in scientific thinking, spark curiosity. Make sure you bring your creative thinking cap as we engage in a variety of activities such as practice quantitative vs. qualitative analysis in simple solutions, construct an operating skeletal hand, examine animal mimicry, experiment with candy chromatography, and so much more!

Mathemagics

  • Dates: July 17-21, 2023 and August 14-18, 2023

Campers, at this camp you'll explore and engage in the wonderful world of mathematics. Numbers are all around us as we interact with people using our computers and digital devices, purchase items using money and coins, play online and app-based games, and a whole plethora of other daily activities and events. In Mathemagics, campers will participate in hands-on activities to learn math concepts such as mathematical models, probability and statistics, and real world applications. Whether you have a love for math or hesitate to learn math, this fun and interactive camp will help you discover the hidden beauty and magic of the mathematical world around you.

Space Adventures

  • Dates: July 24-28, 2023 and August 21-25, 2023

Perseverance Rover has finally made its way to Mars in February 2021. Launch sky-high flying rockets towards Mars to assist Perseverance in its mission. Take a look at the stars by making a telescope! Campers, you will examine technologies that help humans in space, build your own robotic arm (Canadarm), learn how to survive in space, and more. From saving astronauts to constellations, campers at Space Adventures will be engaged in all things astronomy.

Mad Scientist

  • Dates: July 4-7, 2023* and July 31-August 4, 2023

Explore the world of Frankenstein as we take a deep dive into laboratory procedures and experiments. Campers, you'll get the chance to test chemical reactions, defy physics, and explore human biology. Join the madness that is STEM by examining mysterious mixtures, creating elephant toothpaste, playing with polymer worms, and more! Our campers will learn what it takes to be a TRUE Mad Scientist!

Apocalyptic Science

  • Dates: July 10-14, 2023 and August 7-11, 2023*

Campers, it's the year 3202 and you must work with your fellow friends to survive in this new apocalyptic world. At Apocalyptic Science, you'll gain survival skills such as building strong and safe shelters, identifying what you can and cannot eat in the wild, how to perform basic first aid, and more. Surviving the apocalypse is no easy task, especially if you're alone, so what are you waiting for - join us today!

Explosion Camp

  • Dates: July 17-21, 2023 and August 14-18, 2023

Burst into the aweSTEM world of science at EXPLOSION camp! Engage in topics such as chemical reactions, natural disasters, supernova explosions and more. Engineer a rocket fuel for your bottle rocket, generate an eruption from your volcano, concoct some elephant toothpaste, and more! Put on your safety science cap and join us for a week that will blow your mind!

Animals and Veterinary Science

  • Dates: July 17-21, 2023

Join us as we take a journey through zoology: the study of animal biology! Campers will delve in the kingdom of Animalia by investigating techniques in veterinary science, exploring animal physiology, and more! From cast modeling to exploring life cycles of different animals, campers will be engaged in all things animal.

Note: This camp was offered in Summer 2022

Structural Engineering

  • Dates: July 24-28, 2023 and August 21-25, 2023

Explore one of the fastest-growing industries in the modern world by investigating a variety of structures humans use for different purposes. Delve into the world of engineering and physics by designing and building an economical crane for use in developing countries, create earthquake-proof buildings, and more!

Mini-Med 2.0

  • Dates: July 4-7, 2023*, July 10-14, 2023, July 24-28, 2023 and July 31-August 4, 2023

Back by popular demand, Science Explorations at York will be running Mini-Med 2.0 this summer 2023! Junior Scientists, you'll explore topics in medicine by engaging in activities including DNA extractions, investigating laboratory techniques, performing a dissection and more. From surgery to dermatology, you will examine different methods related to the various medical professions.

Note: This camp session complements and will have new and different experiences from Mini-Med 1.0.

ElectriCity

  • Dates: July 10-14, 2023 and August 7-11, 2023*

Get ready for a shocking experience as you explore the world of light, sound and electricity! Investigate the difference between series and parallel circuits, study kinetic and potential energy, and examine the importance of renewable energy. Gather your components as we build an LED flashlight, or save the world with solar energy by manufacturing a solar powered car.

Neuroscience: Meet the Mind

  • Dates: July 17-21, 2023 and August 14-18, 2023

Discover all the fascinating things the brain can do! At Neuroscience: Meet the Mind, you will take a deep dive into the organ that controls it all. From neurons to senses, you'll investigate topics about the nervous system such as anatomy, function, perception, diseases, and more. Join us as we explore the science behind the mind by engaging in activities such as brain modelling, testing illusions, engaging in sensory experiments, and more!

Sustainable Science

  • Dates: July 24-28, 2023 and August 21-25, 2023

Join us in Sustainable Science as we learn how to become citizens of the world. While we explore the various issues facing our world today, we will be focusing on the science behind why it is happening so that we can look towards building solutions for a healthier planet. Combining world challenges and science, campers will use the knowledge they have in STEM to design systems to build a better world, examine food preservation techniques, explore how carbon dioxide gases contribute to global warming and more.

Extreme Engineering

  • Dates: July 31-August 4, 2023

Campers will explore many of the most advanced and interesting machines in the world today, including submarines, oil rigs, carriers, and roller coasters. Through the investigation of some of the largest created human-made machines on Earth, campers will focus on some of the most important physics and engineering concepts through hands-on learning.

Note: This camp was offered in Summer 2022

Grade 5/6 Mini-Robotics

  • Dates: July 10-14, 2023

Robots are machines that we create to do different tasks for us. Join us as we explore how circuits are integral to robotics and design by creating your own circuit-bot! Campers will be introduced to electronic components using different technology like Micro:bit and Makey Makey to build their projects.

Grade 5/6 | Intro to Computer Science

  • Dates: July 17-21, 2023

Designed to give campers the skills required for computer programming, campers will be introduced to the importance of computer science and how we can become creators through exploration of coding using a variety of open-source platforms and languages, learn about computer hardware, binary, computer logic, and and more!

Grade 7/8 | Cryptography and Cybersecurity

  • Dates: July 24-28, 2023

Explore the world of cryptography by learning how to secure important information, whether that’s done by ancient ciphers, secret codes, complex encryption machines, or modern-day computer security. Campers will learn about the math, statistics, and computer science that people have used throughout history to keep information safe.

Grade 7/8 | Python I

  • Dates: July 31-August 4, 2023

Step into the world of code, where we’ll learn the basics of Python, including loops, functions, and some mathematical computation. By the end, participants will be able to write their own text-based adventure! Don’t worry, there won’t be any snakes!

Daily Schedule

All of our camps are one week in length. Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

A typical day consists of two to four experiments and activities. There are two 30-minute breaks and one 1-hour lunch for students to use the washrooms, have a snack, and enable camp staff to implement camp room cleaning procedures.

Lunch is not provided, and will be held outdoors picnic-style, weather permitting. We recommend using ice packs for your child's lunch, as we do not have the facilities to refrigerate lunches.

Allergies are an increasing concern, particularly nut allergies. We do implement a nut-safe lunch policy for the safety of our campers. We ask that you pack nut-free lunches for all campers.

Which grade group should my child be registered in?

Due to the academic nature of our programs, we recommend participants register for programs based on the grade they will be entering in September 2023.

Before- and After-Care

Before- and after-camp care is supervised, unscheduled time. Science magazines, books, puzzles, and games are available for use.

Before-camp care

  • Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
  • 4-day week cost: $24/week
  • 5-day week cost: $30/week

After-camp care

  • Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
  • 4-day week cost: $24/week
  • 5-day week cost: $30/week

Click to register for Summer 2023 Camps

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQ Page for more information, including location, refund policies and financial assistance.